Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Whew! It’s been a busy summer here at the Aquarium! Extraordinary whale watches, energetic day camps, packed Behind-the-scenes Tours, and hopping Summer Sundays. Our animal encounters have also been quite popular, and one of the encounters I’ve had the pleasure of leading recently focuses on the ocean’s most perfect predators: SHARKS! If you have ever wanted to have an up-close and personal, hands-on experience with these magnificent creatures, then this is the encounter for you.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Not long ago, one of our aquarists noticed that one of the Banggai cardinal fish in the coral reef exhibit on the first floor has not been eating for a while. We became increasingly concerned until we noticed that the little Banggai cardinal had a mouth full of babies!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s behind-the-scenes Green Team is helping staff members become more and more green through various activities that include such things as “Caught in the Act,” awards that go to people caught in the act of doing something to help save our planet—like using washable mugs for coffee—and a recycled art contest, both held in conjunction with April’s Earth Week.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

It is one of the best kept secrets of Mother Nature. When you think of green sea turtles, visions of tropical islands comes to mind. To folks in the Los Angeles/ Orange County area of California, these warm water wanderers are thought to be in far off, exotic locales. And yet in an urban river near the Long Beach-Orange County border an improbable group of sea turtles inconspicuously resides.

Friday, August 08, 2008

Snappers are some of my favorite fish at the Aquarium. They can typically become quite large, are hydrodynamically shaped and are well adapted for predatory life. They are always enthusiastic when it comes to chow time which makes them a delight to feed. Many snappers are brilliantly colored with reds, blues, and yellows.

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Two San Diego artists are letting the Aquarium of the Pacific display an “urban tree” sculpture that they created in the hopes of getting people to realize the impact that humans have on the world ocean.